Virtual Desktop infrastructure—or VDI—unifies the best features of Server Based Computing and terminal server technologies with the best features of individual computers. Server Based computing or Terminal Services provides simplified deployment provides simplified deployment of applications and improved resource utilization, but is limited by software compatibility and added complexity, particularly for printing. Individual computers provide users with the most familiar experience and significant control over their computing environment, but the vast majority of CPU resources on desktops and laptops go unused. Terminal Servers are often server class hardware with redundancy built in, while user desktops are rarely redundant. VDI enables an organization to deploy all or some of their desktops as Virtual Machines on server class hardware, while maintaining completely separate operating system instances. This hosting of multiple customized “desktop” operating systems provides an organization’s user’s access to their desktops on one or more host servers from any location at any time. Many benefits are realized from VDI, including:
- Improved utilization of computing resources: consolidation through virtualization reduces costs
- Universal secure access: User can access desktop from anywhere using open protocols
- Improved availability of applications and desktops
- A unique desktop for each user or for a class of users
- Published applications—from desktops and terminal servers
- Single user applications can be run in a VDI, but utilized by multiple users
- Customizable environments: different settings and applications without impacting other users.
- Flexibility: Users can control installation and modification of applications on the virtual desktop, OR they can be centrally managed using active directory and other enterprise management tools
- Secure environment through encrypted protocols
- Ease of management through a single location
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